Rock Minutes

The thought that I am nostalgic is not a novel one indeed, for those that know me know that I am beyond nostalgic, I’m hyper-stalgic. So maybe coming from me, this article might not carry as much currency as coming from someone else, but I do believe I am right on this and I plan on sharing. The state of pop music, and today’s pop artist, has very little change of becoming legendary and their youth will be their downfall.

Today’s pop music movement is centered on youth, and the younger the better. In this period of music history it seems like 26 is over the hill. If you don’t believe me, ask Britney. When pop musicians hit their late 20’s they have to go to do a country music record to get recognized, but that’s different article all together (Don’t you feel it coming…a Britney Spears county album). If you’re young, sexy, and irreverent and can carry a tune in your pocket, you have a chance of being famous in today’s pop-musical culture. Now don’t forget that to capture that 15 minutes of momentary fame in today’s music scene, one must sacrifice intelligence, class, and dignity…but if you’re willing to do it, you have a chance to be the next washed-up pop star 5 years form now.

But this story is not about how this new crop of young stars that are being promoted and somewhat exploited, it’s about me watching music videos 25 years ago. Do you remember the 1st time you saw the video of, “Hold on Loosely” by 38. Special? I do, and I thought it was great! And let me just tell you right from the bottom of the canvas that I don’t remember those guys looking old to me at that time when in the 80’s. I look back at that video these days, after being bombarded by today’s youth movement-mix and I am stunned how old those guys looked, not now, but back then! They were men rocking and rolling…it almost sounds, and certainly seems, weird to think of men in the 40’s having top 40 hits these days. They had long hair and long beards, and looked like they were in their 40’s. But back then I didn’t think twice about it, they were just rockers making really good music and back then to me, age didn’t seem important and wasn’t the main focus. Of course there were the Duran Duran’s of the pop world and the other face bands, but you could still not be a face band and have hits. I mean ZZ Top’s Eliminator spawned top 10 hit after top 10 hit and they looked old timey like Rip VanWinkle. Can you imagine today’s music scene embracing guys that look like that?

And I can name a bunch of 80’s artist that were old looking and were producing great music and top 40 hits. Like Steve Perry, J Giles Band, REO Speedwagon, Tina Turner, and the list goes on and on. I mean Tina turner had a huge hit with, “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” when she was in her 50’s. I am having a really hard time searching my mind right now for someone or some group in their 50’s that have had a number 1 pop single recently. But back then I didn’t even think about. The Stones were Hanging Fire and looking old like Uncle Ed but I didn’t even think twice about it, because they were legends!

Where will today’s rock and pop legends come from? In 2026 will Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber be submitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I might be wrong, but I just don’t see that happening. Today’s manufactured artists don’t have the staying power that the bands yesteryear had. They don’t have it because their music pretty much is subpar. Because the focus isn’t on the music, it’s on the look. Our culture has changed, and if it’s not new, it’s through. If it’s not fresh, its death. If it’s not young, it’s done. (Ok I will quite but you get the drift)

Could you imagine guys like the Marshall Tucker Band or 38. Special with the age they appeared to be in their prime, making a splash and having top 10 hits in today’s musical market. They wouldn’t get past the front door! Music corporations wouldn’t even let those fellers in their parking lot; they would be playing music at the local bar for 40 or 50 some odd patrons on a Thursday penny beer night (Do they still have those).

25 years ago, I don’t remember caring if the guys I liked looked old or young, I just knew the music I liked and that was enough. Today’s society puts such a premium on age that it is the main ingredient of popularity. I guess I need to keep pace and keep fit, and color the gray out of my hair, and hit the coolest-hippest gym in Indianapolis. Then go buy some cloths at the newest-coolest fashion store that will go out of business in three years from now and try to fit in to today’s music scene. That sounds like too much bullshit, I will just continue to listen to classic rock and periodically find that one off group that defies the current trends.

Peace,

Aaron

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